31MRI and MRA services — eligible services

31 MRI and MRA services — eligible services

(1) Subject to subrules (2) and (2A), items 63001 to 63482 apply only to an MRI or MRA service performed:

(a) on request, in accordance with rule 32, by a specialist or consultant physician; and

(b) in a permissible circumstance, in accordance with rule 33; and

(c) with eligible equipment, in accordance with rule 35 or 36.

(2) If a service described in an item mentioned in subrule (1) is performed with eligible equipment described in paragraph 36 (c) or (d), the item for the service applies only if the service is bulk‑billed in respect of the fee for the service.

(2A) If a service described in an item mentioned in subrule (1) is performed with eligible equipment described in paragraph 36 (e), the item for the service applies only if:

(a) in relation to a service performed on a concessional beneficiary — the service is bulk‑billed; or

(b) in relation to a service performed on a person who is not a concessional beneficiary — the medical expenses incurred by the person in respect of the service are not more than the fee specified for the item.

(3) In this rule:

bulk‑billed, in relation to a service, means:

(a) a medicare benefit is payable to a person in respect of the service; and

(b) under an agreement entered into under section 20A of the Act:

(i) the person assigns to the eligible provider by whom, or on whose behalf, the service is provided, his or her right to the payment of the medicare benefit; and

(ii) the eligible provider accepts the assignment in full payment of his or her fee for the service provided.

concessional beneficiary means:

(a) a person who is the holder of a seniors health card, a health care card or a pensioner concession card under the Social Security Act 1991; or

(b) a person (other than the holder of the card) whose name is included in a card referred to in paragraph (a).